and other places needfull and there by open Proclamation to make publication of the holding of the said Parliament and to warne all and sundry Noblemen Prelates and Commissioners for the Barons and Burrowes and all others having voice and place in the said Parliament that they and every one of them in their most decent and comely manner make their addresse to the said Parliament attend and await thereat during the time thereof and to discharge that duty which is incumbent to them and each one of them as they will answer on the contrary at their perill ANd last of all was published and proclaimed first the Act of the Lords of Our Councel for requiring all Our subjects to subscribe the said Confession of Faith and Band annexed which here followeth At Holy-rood-house the 24. day of September Anno 1638. THe which day a Noble Earle JAMES Marquesse of Hamiltoun Earle of Arran and Cambridge his Majesties Commissioner having produced and exhibit before the Lords of secret Councell upon the twenty second day of this instant a warrant signed by his Majestie of the date the ninth of September instant wherein among others of his Majesties gracious and royall expressions for preservation of the purity of Religion and due obedience to his Majesties authoritie in the maintenance thereof his Majestie did will and ordaine that the Lords themselves should sweare the Confession and generall Band mentioned in his Majesties said warrant and also should take such order as all his Majesties lieges may subscribe the same And the said Lords of secret Councell acknowledging his Majesties pious and gracious disposition and affection to the purity of Gods truth did upon the 22. day of September instant unanimously and with all humble hearty and sincere affection sweare and subscribe the confession of Faith dated the second of March 1580. according as it was then profest within this Kingdome Together with the foresaid generall Band dated in Anno 1589. And now to the effect that all his Majesties lieges may give the like obedience to his Majesties so pious desire therefore the said Lords have ordained and ordaines all his Majesties lieges of whatsoever estate degree or qualitie Ecclesiasticall or Civill to sweare and subscribe the said Confession dated the second of March 1580. and that according to the said date and tenour thereof and as it was then profest within this Kingdome Together with the said generall Band dated in Anno 1589. as they will answer at the contrarie upon their obedience And ordaines officers of Armes to passe to the market crosse of Edinburgh and make publication hereof and at all other places needfull wherethrough none pretend ignorance of the same ANd next after that was proclaimed the Commission of the Lords of Our Councell whereby they appointed and designed severall Commissioners for requiring and taking the subscriptions of Our subjects to the said Confession and Band annexed throughout the severall Shires within the Kingdome which here followeth At Holy-rood-house the 24. day of September Anno 1638. FOrsomuch as a noble Marquesse James Marquesse of Hamiltoun Earle of Arran and Cambridge his Majesties Commissioner and the Lords of Secret Councell by an act of the date of the twenty second of this instant have by speciall warrant of his sacred Majestie sworne and subscribed with all humble and heartie affection and unanimously the Confession of Faith dated the second of March 1580. and at length insert in the Bookes of Privie Councell of and according to the said date and tenour thereof and according as it was then profest within this kingdome Together with the generall Band insert therewith in the said bookes of Privie Councell dated in Anno 1589. Like as also the said Lords of Councell by their Act of the date of these presents acknowledging his Majesties pious and gracious disposition and affection to the puritie of Gods truth and as thereby they conceive themselves bound in conscience and humble dutie to use and follow forth all possible diligence for procuring the subscriptions of all his Majesties Lieges thereto And to this effect have thought fit that the care and diligence in procuring thereof be committed to some of his Majesties Councell and others of the Nobilitie and Gentrie within the severall Sheriffedomes and Provinces of the Kingdome in manner after specified Therefore the said Lord Commissioner and Lords of secret Councell give power warrant and commission to such of their number and others after-following within the bounds after specified viz. For the sheriffedome of Edinburgh principall William Earle of Lothiane Archibald Lord Naper S. John Dalmahoy of that ilke S. George Towers of Innerleith For the Burgh of Edinburgh the Provost and Baillies of Edinburgh that are or shall be for the time For East-lothiane Robert Earle of Roxburgh Lord privie Seale Thomas Earle of Hadintoun John Earle of Lauderdaill Harrie Lord Ker S. Patrick Murrey of Elibanke S. Patrick Hepburne of Wauchtoun and James Maxwel of Innerweik For the Stewartie of Dalkeith John Earle of Traquair Lord Treasurer William Earle of Dalhoussie and S. James Macgill of Cranstonriddell For the sheriffedome of Peebles and Ettrick forrest the said Lord Treasurer and John Lord Yester For the sheriffedome of Selkirke the said Lord Treasurer the Earle of Hadintoun S. William Scot of Harden and Generall Ruthven For the sheriffedome of Roxburgh the Lord Privie-seale the Earle of Lauderdaill the Lord Ker S. Andro Ker of Greenhead S. William Dowglas Sheriffe of Tiviotdaill and S. Thomas Ker of Cavers For the Sheriffedome of Bervick the said Lord Privie-Seale James Earle of Home the Earles of Hadintoun and Lauderdaill and Laird of Blacader For the sheriffedome of Fyffe John Earle of Rothes Charles Earle of Dumfermeline John Earle of Annandaill John Earle of Wemes Lord Fentoun John Lord Lindsey David Lord Balcarres S. Thomas Hope of Craighall Knight Baronet His Majesties Advocate S. Alexander Gibson of Durie Sir James Learmonth of Balcolmie and S. Andrew Murrey of Balvaird For the sheriffedome of Linlithgow Alexander Earle of Linlithgow James Lord Amont S. John Hammiltoun of Orbeston Justice clerk Dundas of that ilk and M. George Dundas of Manner For the sheriffedome of Lanerk John Earle of Wigtoune Archibald Lord Angus Lord Fleeming Robert Lord Dalyell S. William Elphinstoun chiefe Justice Sir James Carmichaell of that ilk Treasurer Depute the said Justice-clerke S. James Lokhart younger of Lee Francis Douglas of Sandelands Gawin Hamiltoun of Raploche S. James Hamiltoun of Broom-hill Robert Hamiltoun of Torrence and Alexander Hamiltoun of Hags sheriffe For the sheriffedome of Striveling John Earle of Mar William Earle of Airth John Earle of Montrose Alexander Earle of Linlithgow John Earle of Wigtoun John Lord Flemming Alexander Lord Elphinstoun James Lord Amont and S. William Murray of Polmais For the sheriffedome of Dumfreis William Earle of Queinsberrie Master of Dalyell the Laird of Lag William Maxwell of Kirkhouse and John Dalyell of Newtoun For the sheriffdome of Clackmannan the said Earle
Our Commissioner they expected no satisfaction to their desire for they themselves did know as well as any Judge or Advocate in the Kingdome that no Commissioner either could award or ever had awarded any such processe as they required And therefore they moved Our Commissioner once againe that he would require Our Judges or Lords of Our Session to grant out such processe with which request when Our Commissioner made Our Judges acquainted they returned him that answer which the Covenanters knew verie well they could not chuse but make viz. That they could grant out no processe for the compeerance of any persons before them but those who were impleaded and whose causes were triable before them The truth is Our Commissioner found by inquirie and the Covenanters knew it perfectly well that the ordinarie way of processe or cytation to a Generall Assemblie was to passe it under the hand of the Clerk of the Assemblie whose office is during life if he be not legally removed usually too under the hand of him who was Moderator at the last Generall Assemblie both which were then living and are so still the name of the Clerk of the Assemblie being Master James Sandelands an Advocate and Commissarie of Aberdene and the Moderator of the last Assemblie being the now Archbishop of Saint Andrewes But they who had all this while gone on in disorderly illegall and unjustifiable wayes belike thought it an incongruitie to keep the beaten path and tract of justice in any thing and therefore they fell and resolved upon a way so unlike Justice so repugnant to Religion and common honestie as one would wonder how they hit upon it having neither Law nor practise for it which was this They caused to be drawn up a most false odious and scandalous Libell against the Archbishops and Bishops with a Petition annexed to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh wherein they desired the Libell to bee admitted by them the copie whereof as it was exhibited by them to the said Presbyterie and afterward publikely read in all the Pulpits thereof here followeth which out of Our love to the Christian Religion We wish might never come to the notice of any Pagan and out of Our love to the Religion reformed We wish might never come to the notice of any Papist But it cannot be concealed The Bill or the complaint of the Noblemen Barons Burgesses Ministers and Commons Covenanters which were not Commissionaries to the Assembly against the pretended Archbishops and Bishops within this kingdome as it was presented to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh with an Act of reference of the Bill from the Presbyterie to the next Generall Assembly as it was fully read on the Lords day before noone in all the Churches within the Presbyterie of Edinburgh according to the Act. Noblemen Unto your wisedomes humbly shewes and complaines We John Earle of Sutherland John Earle of Athol William Earle of Dalhousie Mungo Vicount of Stormouth Hugh Lord Montgomerie David Lord Elcho George Lord Forrester Arthur Lord Forbesse John Master of Berridale Robert Lord Boyd David Lord Balcarras John Lord Melvill Barons and Gentlemen Craggemillar Lugtoun Buchanan Young Dury Balgonny Balbirny Master William Hammilton Thomas Cragge of Ricarton John Cowper of Gogar John Hammilton of Boghall David Inglis of Ingliston John Dundas of Newliston Sir William Cockburne of Langton Patrick Cockburne of Clerkinton John Leslie of Newton Colonel Alexander Leslie David Barclay of Onwerme Sir Michael Arnot of Arnot Sir Michael Balfoure of Deanemill John Aiton of Aiton David Beaton of Balfoure John Lundie of Lundie Walter Murray of Liviston Sir John Preston of Ardrie Walter Cornwall of Bonhard William Scot of Ardrosse Robert Forbosse of Ricesse Sir Andrew Murray of Balvarde George Dundasse of Dudistone Sir William Murray of Blebo Master Robert Preston William Dicksone Ministers Master William Scot Minister at Cowper Master George Hammiltoun at Nuburne Master Walter Grog at Balmerino Master Iohn Machgil Parson of Fliske Master Andrew Blackhat at Aberlady Burgesses and Commons George Bruce of Carnock George Potterfield a Burgesse of Glasgow John Smith John Mill Lawrence Henryson Richard Maxwell Burgesses of Edinburgh WE for our selves and in name and behalfe of the rest of the Noblemen Barons Gentlemen Burgesses Ministers and Commons within this Realme of Scotland subscribers of the Covenant who are not chosen Commissioners to the Generall Assemblie but who will assist and insist in this complaint with us as faithfull Christians as loyall subjects and sensible members of this Church and Common-weale having interest to pursue this popular action in a speciall manner and an eminent degree by which pursuit God may bee glorified Christs Kingdome advanced that the Church may bee restored to her priviledges and liberties and freed from manifold scandals from the corrupters of Doctrine with Poperie and Arminianisme of the Sacraments with Superstition and Wil-worship and of the Discipline with tyrannie and from the overthrowers of the peace of this Church and Kingdome by their usurpations and lies their violent humours and falshood for their owne worldly ends may be tried and censured accordingly and so this Church and State made free from the present divisions and combustions and restored to peace and unitie both with God and amongst themselves and that his Majesties religious disposition and honour may be cleared to all the world by the triall and censure of those men who have fraudulently abused his Majesties name and authoritie by their trust and credit with his Majestie Wee most earnestly make request That whereas by the Lawes of this Church and Kingdome and by his Majesties last Proclamation all his Majesties subjects whether Ecclesiasticall or Civill of whatsoever title or degree if they have exercised an unlimited or unwarrantable power They are declared and ordained to be liable to the triall and censure of the Generall Assemblie and Parliament or to any other Judicatorie according to the nature and qualitie of the offence And whereas Master David Lyndsey pretended Bishop of Edinburgh Master Thomas Sydserfe pretended Bishop of Galloway Master Walter Whitefoord pretended Bishop of Brichen Master James Wedderburne pretended Bishop of Dumblane Master James Fairley pretended Bishop of Argyle Master John Spotswood pretended Archbishop of Saint Andrewes having their residences or dwelling places within the bounds of this Presbyterie of Edinburgh Master Patrick Lyndsey pretended Archbishop of Glasgow Master Alexander Lyndsey pretended Bishop of Dunkell Master Adam Bannatine pretended Bishop of Aberdene Master John Gutherie pretended Bishop of Murray Master John Maxwel pretended Bishop of Rosse Master George Greme pretended Bishop of Orkney Master Iohn Abernethie pretended Bishop of Caithnesse Master Neil Campbel pretended Bishop of the Isles should be tried and censured for their unlimited and unwarranted power For whereas it was provided in the Cautions agreed upon in the Generall Assemblie holden at Mountrose Anno 1600. for bounding of the Ministers votes in Parliament and concluded to bee inserted in the bodie of the act of Parliament for
of Mar S. Robert Bruce of Clackmannan S. Thomas Hope younger of Cars sheriffe For the sheriffedome of Wigtoun John Earle of Cassils Alexander Earle of Galloway Sir John Hamiltoun elder and younger of Barganie S. Patrick Mackie of Larg John Murrey of Broughton For the sheriffedome of Air Alexander Earle of Eglintoun Alexander Earle of Glencarne John Earle of Cassils William Earle of Dumfreis William Lord Crichton John Lord Lowdoun the Lairds of Barganie elder and younger the Lairds of Gastoun and Cragiewallace For the sheriffedome of Renfrew Alexander Earle of Glencarne Robert Vicount of Belheaven S. Archibald Stewart of Black-hall the Laird of Howston and Bryce Sempill of Cathcart S. Robert Dowglas of Blaikester and S. John Maxwell of Pooke For the sheriffedome of Dumbartan Argile and Carbet the said Earles of Montrose and Wigtoun the Lords Lorn Flemming S. George Stirline of Keir and S. William Stewart Captaine of the Castle of Dumbartane For the sheriffedome of Perth stewartries of Monteith and Strathern the Earls of Airth Montrois Atholl Perth Tullibardin and Kinnoul Mungo Vicount of Stormont the Lairds of Keir and Lawers elder and younger the Lairds of Duncrub elder and younger and Blair of Baltheiock For the sheriffedome of Forfar the Earls of Montrois Kingorn and Southesk the Lords Carnaegie and Ogilvie the Master of Spynie Patrick Maule of Panmure the Constable of Dundie S. Andro Fletcher of Innerpeffer the Lairds of Din Ethie Balnamoune Aldbar Bonnyton Lethintie and Innerquharratie For the sheriffdome of the Mernes the Earles of Mairshall and Southesk the Lord Carnegie S. Thomas Burnet of Leyes the Lairds of Glenbervie Arbuthnet Morphie Balmoyne and Halkerton elder For the sheriffedome of Aberdene the Marquesse of Huntly the Earles of Mairshall and Kingorne the Earle of Kingorne for himselfe and as Tutor to the Earle of Erroll the Lords Forbes and Fraser and Laird of Drum For the sheriffedome of Banff the Marquesse of Huntly the Earls of Mairshall and Finlatter For Elgine and Forres the Earle of Murray the Laird of Innes Brodie of that ilk and Dumbar sheriffe of Murrey For the sheriffedome of Innernesse the Marquesse of Huntly the Earle of Seafort the Lord Lovatt the Lairds of Grant and Makintosh For the sheriffedomes of Caithnes and Sutherland the Earles of Sutherland Caithnes and Seafort the Master of Berridail and S. Robert Gordoun For Orkney and Zetland the Earle of Cariet S. John Buchannan of Scotiscraig and Will. Stewart of Maynes For the sheriffdom of Bute the Lord Lorn and sheriff of Bute For the Iles the Lord Lorn With power to them conjunctly and severally to passe to the severall bounds above-written at such times places as they shall think fit and there to exhibit the said Confession of faith and generall Band above-specified marked and subscribed by the Clerk of Councell and to require all his Majesties lieges of whatsoever rank and qualitie to subscribe the said Confession of Faith dated March 2. 1580. according to the said date and tenour thereof and as it was then profest within this kindgdome together with the generall Band dated in Anno 1589. as they will be answerable to his Majesty and the said Lords upon their dutie and obedience and to make report of their said diligence betwixt and the thirteenth day of November next ANd because many did conceive though falsly that these pretended Innovations had made some alteration in the Religion which was sworne at the first in the said Confession Our Commissioner and Councell knowing well that suggestion to be made by those who were enemies to all peace and onely to that end that Our subjects might be kept from returning to their obedience did declare most truly and justly that Our intention and so accordingly the oath which they had now taken was to defend the true Religion and Confession of faith as it was professed in that Kingdome and sworne unto in the yeare of our Lord 1580. by which they did assuredly conceive that all Our good people would rest fully satisfied The Act of Councell containing that short explication here followeth Apud Holy-rood-house 22. Septembris Anno 1638. THe which day a Noble Marquesse JAMES Marquesse of Hammiltoun Earle of Arran and Cambridge his Majesties Commissioner and Lords of secret Councell in all humble and heartie affection unanimously swore and subscribed the Confession of Faith above-written dated 2. March 1580. according as it was then profest within this Kingdome Together with the generall Band above specified dated in Anno 1589. Whereupon S. Thomas Hope of Craighall his Majesties Advocate in his Majesties name asked instruments WIth all these Our gracious proceedings the Lords of Our Councel were so fully satisfied themselves that they did verily beleeve that there would remaine no more scruples in the minds of Our good subjects and that nothing now could keep them from a cheerfull and thankfull returning to their former obedience Their own resentment and satisfaction they testified both by an act of Councell and a particular Letter directed to Us for that purpose which here do follow The Act of Councell THe Lords of secret Councell having read and maturely considered his Majesties letters and particular declaration of his pleasure anent the annulling of the Service Book Book of Canons and high Commission discharging the pressing of the practice of the five Articles making all persons Ecclesiastick and Civill of what title or degree soever lyable to the tryall and censure of Parliament generall Assembly and other Judicatories competent anent the not administrating to Ministers at their entry any other oath then that which is contained in the Act of Parliament anent the subscribing and renewing the Confession of Faith subscribed by his Majesties Father of blessed memory and his houshold in Anno 1580. and Band following thereupon anent the indiction of a generall Assembly to be holden at Glasgow the 21. day of November 1638. and Parliament at Edinburgh the 15. of May 1639. and anent his gracious goodnesse in forgetting and forgiving all by-gones and indiction of a Fast for craving of Gods blessing to this Assembly find themselves so fully satisfied therewith and the same to be so satisfactory for removing all the feares of the subjects anent innovation of Religion or Lawes that we hold our selves bound in duty not only to acquiesce therewith as the best meane to secure both Religion and Lawes but also to use our best endevours that all his Majesties good subjects may likewise rest satisfied therewith And that they with us and we with them may testifie our thankfulnesse for so great a grace and goodnesse with all the heartie expressions of dutifulnesse and loyalty And that our true sense hereof may the more clearly appeare to our sacred Soveraigne Wee doe by these humbly and heartily make offer of our lives and fortunes in the defending and assisting of his Majesties sacred person and authority in the maintenance of the foresaid Religion and Confession and repressing of all such as
man before his Father that confesseth him before men All of these and each of them besides your Lordships personall and particular obligations to God doe call for no lesse at your Lordships hands in the cause of so great and singular necessitie and we also doe expect so much at this time according as your Lordship at the houre of death would be free of the terrour of God and be refreshed with the comfortable remembrance of a word spoken in season for Christ Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords OUr Commissioner in the meane time resolved to publish Our gracious Declaration for relieving of their grievances and satisfying Our people in Our forwardnesse for the maintenance of the Religion professed in that Kingdome and Our aversnesse from Poperie which they of the Covenanters Table having notice of being above all things afraid that Our people should receive any satisfaction from Us or rest contented with the grace of Our reasonable proffers of favour did mightily repine at came to Our Commissioner and wished him for Our honour his owne safetie and peace of the publike not to make any such Declaration which undoubtedly would be encountred with a Protestation and that in such manner as would be displeasing to him and make the publishing of that Declaration be found disserviceable unto Us. Our Commissioner being perplexed with these unexpected and dangerous difficulties resolved by faire proceedings to gaine so much time untill he might make Us acquainted with them and receive Our answer and instructions concerning them In his Letters of advice he acquainted Us with the danger threatned if he should publish Our Declaration which though he knew to be full of grace yet the heads of the Covenant would never suffer the multitude of their members to understand it so Two things he desired of Us One that in case Wee continued in Our resolution of publishing Our Declaration Wee would be pleased to sweeten it with this further favour as to restore to the citie of Edinburgh the sitting of Our Councell Our Session and all other Courts of Justice which he conceived would be very acceptable to Our Councellors Judges to all Advocates and all dependents upon the Law to all Our subjects which had businesse depending in any of these Courts but most of all to the citie of Edinburgh which complained much of their being impoverished by absence of these Courts and that this was like to prove a most probable perswasion for reclaiming them to their former obedience Next that We would be pleased to give him leave to take a journy unto Us though he should returne presently that he might acquaint Us with the new emergencies of businesses and such other things as could not be conveniently expressed in Letters and so accordingly receive instructions from Us for his carriage To which Letters of advice Wee did returne by a speedie dispatch this answer That We would have Our Declaration no longer delayed but commanded him presently to publish it because Wee would not whatsoever the event should be have Our people barred the knowledge of Our Gracious intentions and favours towards them which We did see the leaders of them studied nothing more then to suppresse And that at his intreatie Wee were contented that all the Courts of Justice should presently begin to sit againe at Edinburgh for the reasons contained in his Letters and in hope of reclaiming of that Citie which otherwise by their misdemeanour had no reason to expect any such favour from Us And withall after the dispatch of these two that Wee were contented hee should repaire to Us as hee desired whensoever hee should finde it convenient taking first order with Our Councell for keeping all things in order untill his returne This answer of Ours so soone as Our Commissioner received he assembled Our Councell and made them acquainted with it who were so well satisfied with the bringing back of Our Courts of Justice to Edinburgh that presently they sent unto Us a Letter of thanks of this tenour Most Sacred Soveraigne THe Marquesse of Hamiltoun your Majesties Commissioner having imparted unto us your Majesties gracious pleasure and allowance that the Judicatories of the Councell of Session and others should be returned to the Citie of Edinburgh Thereupon the Lord Commissioner being present order was given for publication at the Market Crosse of Edinburgh with all solemnities requisite and that the like publication should be made throughout the whole Kingdome at all publike places This hath given so great contentment to all your Majesties subjects that we cannot expresse with what dutifull respect and heartie prayers for your Majestie they have embraced this great and undeserved favour In consideration whereof wee conceive our selves bound in dutie to acquaint your Majestie herewith and withall to render to your Majestie most humble and heartie thanks for this so great grace and goodnesse which wee hope shall contribute to the good of your Majesties service and to establishing the peace of the Countrie for the which we all your Majesties good subjects shall ever bee most thankfull and all in dutie bound to pray for your Majesties long and happie Reigne Holy-rood-house July 2. 1638. Subscribitur Traquaire Roxbrugh Mar Morton Winton Lithgow Wigtonne Kingorne Hadinton Lauderdaile Kinoul Southesk Lorne Naper Dalyell Ihay Ja Carmithaell Thomas Hop John Hammilton ANd accordingly Our Commissioner caused Proclamation to be made at the Crosse of Edinburgh for the first sitting downe of the Session there the Tuesday following being the third of July 1638. which was received with such joy by the Judges Advocates and all others having relation to the Colledge of Justice but above all by the Magistrates and Citizens of Edinburgh that Our Commissioner and Councell did then well hope all mens minds had beene well prepared to receive the Declaration of Our Grace and favour which was to bee published in the next Proclamation with an humble and thankfull acknowledgment which undoubtedly they had done if they had not beene not onely diverted but perverted by those men who interpreted every satisfaction of Our subjects received from Us to be a dividing and pulling them away from themselves And therefore they quickly cast about to finde out some meanes how this Our speciall favour might not be resented by them which was this They assured their followers that there were two of the Lords of Our Session viz. Sir Robert Spotswood President of the same and Sir John Hay Our Clerk of Register answerable to the Master of the Rolles here in England sworne enemies to their Covenant well affected to Episcopall government procurers and abettors of the pretended Innovations that unlesse these two were presently removed from Our Session there could be no good intended to them by the bringing of it back to Edinburgh and therefore advised them to send some of their number to Our Commissioner to desire that these two Our Judges might presently bee removed from that Court Not that they who put this in their
your Lordsh meanes for naming none I know not to whom I shall take my selfe nor doe I know what violence and threatnings you mean If you meane his Majesties Commissioners appointed by the King they requiring his subjects to subscribe the old Confession and Covenant by his authoritie now renewed and remonstrating unto them the danger they incurre by law in not obeying his Majesties commandement I hope that cannot bee called violence but duty the omission whereof must needs bee a violation of and violence offered to his Majesties sacred authority If other violences and threatnings they have used as your Lordsh seemeth to intimate for their obedience to his Majesties just authority I am sure your Lordsh will not call violence they must answer for it and shall whensoever your Lordsh shall make known the delinquents But alas my Lords Tell me now in good earnest whether you have heard they have used such violence in perswading this Covenant as hath beene used by your adherents in inforcing of yours hath the bloud of Gods servants his holy Ministers been shed which bloud I am affraid keepeth the vengeance of God still hanging over this Land have men beene beaten turned out of their livings and maintenance reviled and excommunicated in the Pulpits and a thousand more outrages acted upon them for not subscribing this Covenant have none who have subscribed your Covenant done it with blind and doubting minds If they have I beseech your Lordsh not to call his Majesties Councellours legall proceedings irreligious and unjust untill you have proved the piety and justice of the proceedings of your owne adherents For the other of your undertaking and promising for your parts that no man should be troubled till the Assembly and expecting the like from us truly I am glad I have it under your Lordsh hands for I think there are few houres of any one day since the indicting of the Assemblie that from all parts of this Kingdome I am not vexed with complaints of new processing of Ministers new with-holding of Ministers stipends unprocessed heavie complaints of Ministers of your owne Covenant that they are threatned and that sharply and bitterly for their declaring of their griefe in being barred of their freedome in the election of their owne Commissioners to the Generall Assembly and being borne down by the multitude of Lay voyces and menaced because of their protesting against the same The complaints of Ministers Non-Covenanters and Lay-Elders Non-Covenanters chosen by their Sessions to assist at the election of the Commissioners from the Presbyteries but turned backe for not having subscribed your Covenant and reviled with bitter words for being so pert as to come thither is this the performance of promising that no man shall bee troubled till the Assembly These are indeed preparations verie unfit to precede this Assembly they being so unpeaceable and like to take up much time in discussing at that great Meeting the illegality of these elections My Lord the truth is I shall be as carefull to see any wrong offered by his Majesties Commissioners in urging his Majesties authority punished when I shall know the offences and the offenders as I am heartily grieved at the proceedings of your Associats Here I am sure his Majesties Commissioners have been rather backward then forward but so have not your Lordsh adherents been for they have in verie many places proclaimed your Protestation where his Majesties Declaration hath not been proclaimed I hope your Lordsh will pardon my unusuall prolixitie for I confesse I am much troubled to see his Majesties good subjects led into such misconstructions of his pious and religious intentions towards them This my Letter I pray your Lordsh to communicate to the other Noble Lords who subscribed that to me To your selfe and them I pray your Lordsh commend the true respects of Your Lordsh. For the Earle of Cassills THis Letter it seemes gave them no satisfaction for they still continued their reports Besides they had the boldnesse by another Letter from the same Table sent likewise to Our Commissioner being then at Hammilton to expostulate with him that one of Our Ships at sea had searched a Scottish Merchants Ship for Ammunition when as they themselves before had searched a Merchants Ship for some Ammunition which We had sent for Scotland and would have seized upon it if they had not been prevented and immediately after a little English Vessell carrying Beere to some part of that Kingdome was likewise stayed and searched by them In the same Letter they quarrell with Our Commissioner for hindering the bringing of Horses from England thither which is unlawfull for any one to doe without a speciall licence from the Master of Our Horse The copie of their Letter filled with their ordinarie pretences of Religion and Our Commissioners Answer unto it be these Please your Grace AFter your parting from us we had knowledge from John Wilson Skipper and sundry of his Passengers newly arrived That being at Sea on his way from Holland hither one of his Majesties small ships of eight Peeces came aboard and searched him for Armes and Ammunition declaring they did the same by his Majesties Warrant We doe not so much value the hazzard of any prejudice as we are heartily grieved to find any such note of his Majesties displeasure differencing us from his other subjects when our own hearts and the Lord that searcheth them doth heare witnesse of our loyaltie and affection to his Majestie especially to have found it now when we are made so secure both by the hopes of obteyning from his Majesties favour by your mediation these ordinary and publike remedies that can fully settle this Church and State and by assurance from your Grace we should finde no such hard dealing during the time of your imployment amongst the subjects here who trust in your care to prevent speedily the inconvenience of this as you did in that other late particular anent the arrest of our horses in England We thinke this advertisment sufficient to your Grace who is wounded through our sides if wee suffer any thing in this time being so farre interessed to vindicate us from such prejudice who doe acknowledge our selves to be Edinb the 28. Septemb. 1638. Your Graces humble servants Rothees Montrose Home Weymse Lindesay Boyd Londone Balmerino Dalhousie Forrester Elcho Craustoune Baltarres Burghly Lothiane My Lord I Have received a Letter this day signed by your Lordsh and sundry other Noblemen making mention that one John Wilson Skipper being on his way from Holland hither was searched by one of his Majesties small ships This is no new nor unaccustomed thing for commonly the Captains of his Majesties ships during the time of being at sea doe take notice what the loadings of all such ships are as they meet with who trade in the Channell it being a prerogative that belongs to his Imperall Crown I am perswaded that your Lordsh and the rest of my Lords cannot thinke but if
of benefices visitation and other points of Ecclesiasticall government without a lawfull warrant from the Church in exercising power to suspend deprive command and inhibite excommunication at their pleasure to fine confine imprison banish Ministers and other professours without the warrant of the lawes of the Countrey appointing their Moderators over Presbyteries and Synods prorogating their Diets staying their proceedings against Papists Sorcerers Adulterers and other grosse offenders by exacting of contributions to such Commissioners as hee pleased to send to Court for his owne and his Colleagues affaires by depriving and ordaining of Ministers not onely without the consent of the Presbyteries and Synods but by ordaining of scandalous and unqualified Ministers and depriving of learned and religious Pastours by ordaining Ministers after a forme not allowed of in this Church by silencing Ministers for not reading the Service Book and Book of Canons by interdicting after a Popish manner the exercises of Morning and Evening prayer in their Churches by releasing of excommunicated Papists by contradicting and crossing the votes of the Presbyteries at their pleasure by their pretended negative vote directly contrary to this caution by enacting decrees of Synods without demanding their votes by changing and falsifying their Acts when most votes had carried the contrary by many wayes have they failed in this caution which are so notorious to the whole Church and to your Wisedomes that wee shall condescend upon the same when we are required Whereas in the seventh caution it was provided That in Presbyteries and in Provinciall and generall Assemblies he shall behave himself in all things as one of the brethren of the Presbyterie and be subject to their censure yet the foresaid Master David Lindsey with his foresaid Colleagues respectivè hath not behaved himselfe as a brother at these meetings he disdaines to sit in Presbyteries or to bee subject to their censures he sitteth and over-ruleth in Provinciall Assemblies rather as a Lord then a Moderatour and in stead of behaving himself as a brother in the generall Assemblie hath by threatning and silencing prejudged the liberties of the lawfull Commissioners when they propounded reasoned or concluded matters conducing to the libertie of the Church he forced them to conclude things contrarie That whereas it was concluded at Mount Rose That none of them who should have vote in Parliament should come Commissioners to the generall Assembly or have vote in it in time to come unlesse they had authority or Commission from their owne Presbyteries for that purpose yet the said Master David Lindsey with his foresaid Colleagues respectivè though they had no authoritie by commission from any Presbyteries have usurped to give votes in the last pretended Assemblies Whereas in the seventh chapter of the book of Policie registrated in the register of the Acts of the Assembly it was concluded That in all Assemblies a Moderatour should be chosen by common consent of the whole brethren assembled together and it hath beene so practised since the beginning of the Reformation till he and his fellowes began to break the Cautions yet the said Master David Lindsey with his foresaid Colleagues respectivè have usurped the place of moderation in the last pretended Assemblies and rather domineered then moderated to bring in novations yea further have directed Mandats from themselves as from the representative Church of Scotland which name and power is only competent to generall Assemblies he hath brought in the practice of many Innovations in the Royall Chappell in the Abbey Church and his pretended Cathedrall he hath laboured not onely to hinder the ordinary meetings of generall Assemblies of this Church by obtaining letters and charge from Authoritie to that purpose but also hath laboured what in him lay to take away from the Church the priviledge of holding general Assemblies yeerly belonging to Her by the Word of God Acts of this Church and lawes of this kingdome Whereas it is provided by another caution That Crimen ambitus shall be a sufficient cause of deprivation of him that shall have vote in Parliament yet the said Master David Lindsey with is foresaid Colleagues respectivè are guilty of the said crime in seeking of the said offices and promising and giving good deeds for them Whereas it was provided by the book of Discipline and acts of the Assemblie Feb. An. 1569. and December 1565. 1567. that marriage should not be solemnized without asking of banes three severall Sabbath daies before yet the said Master David Lindsey and his foresaid Colleagues respectivè have given licence to sundry Ministers to solemnize marriage without asking three severall Sabbaths before upon which have followed divers inconveniences a man hath been married to a woman her husband being alive and they not divorced some have been married to persons with whom they have committed adultery before and some have been married without the consent or knowledge of their parents Whereas by the book of Fasting authorized by the generall Assemblie and prefixed before the Psalmes no set or yeerly Fasts are allowed but disallowed as contrary to the libertie of the Church and to the nature of the exercise a Fast yet the said Master David Lindsey and his foresaid Colleagues respectivè have appointed yeerly Fasts and troubled some godly Professors for not observing the same Whereas the office of a Deacon is set forth in the book of Discipline and book of common order before the Psalmes according to the Word of God to have no medling with the preaching of the Word or the ministration of the Sacraments and by the first Confession of faith ratified in the Acts of Parliament chapter 23. Ministers called unto particular flocks have only power of the Ministration of the Sacraments yet the said Master David Lindsey with his foresaid Colleagues respectivè have given a power to certain Divines whom they make Deacons men not admitted to the calling of the ministerie to administer the Sacrament of Baptisme under the names and titles of preaching Deacons and they refuse to admit diverse men to the calling of the Ministerie before they be admitted to that Order Whereas it is ordained by the booke of Policie and Acts of the Assemblie that no man should receive ordination to the Ministerie without a present admission to a particular flock yet the said Master David Lindsey with his foresaid Colleagues respectivè have separated the Act of Ordination from the act of Admission Whereas according to the established order of the Church and the Acts of the Assemblie the ordination and admission of Ministers should be publick in the presence and with the consent of the Congregation yet the said Master David Lindsey with his foresaid Colleagues respectivè have given ordination to some men in other places not in their own Congregation violently have thrust upon them scandalous Ministers Whereas Ministers who teach erroneous and corrupt doctrine should be censured by the book of Discipline and by the Acts of the Assemblie yet the said Master David Lindsey and
his foresaid Colleagues respectivè have taught erroneous and corrupt doctrine themselves and by their pretended power have preferred to the Ministerie men who have taught erroneous doctrine against the Confession of Faith and Acts of Parliament quoted in our Covenant and they cherish and maintaine them who teach Arminianisme and Popery as conditionall Election Free will resistibilitie of effectuall Grace The universality of Christs death The merit of it in Heaven and in hell a finall apostacie of the Saints The locall descent of Christ into hell That Christ came into the world clauso Virginis utero auricular Confession and Papall absolution That the Pope is not Antichrist That the Church of Rome is a true Church That reconciliation with Rome is a thing easie That the Church of Rome erres not in fundamentals and that she differs not in fundamentals from the reformed Churches They call in question the imputation of Christs righteousnesse and they affirme the formall cause of justifying faith to consist in our inherent righteousnesse They affirme that there is a locall and circumscriptive presence of Christ in the Sacrament and they change the Sacrament into a Sacrifice and the Table into an Altar the Ministers into Priests There are other damnable and hereticall points of Doctrine which they maintaine of which we shall give particular information in our particular accusation of each one of them respectivè with the proofes thereof when we shall be required Whereas by the Acts of the Church no oaths or subscriptions should be required from those who enter into the Ministerie but to the Confession of faith and to the book of Policy yet the said Master David Lindsey with his foresaid Colleagues respectivè without a warrant from the Church or Parliament doe exact diverse oathes and subscriptions from them who enter into the Ministerie namely That they should both in publick and private prayers commend the Prelats to Gods mercifull protection That they should be subject to the orders which were now in the Church or by the consent of the Church that is by their consent as they affirme should be established as to the Service Book and to the Book of Canons The heavinesse of this grievance made the most part of his Majesties subjects to complaine in these Articles that worthy men which have testimonies of their learning from Universities and are tryed by Presbyteries to be fit for the worke of the Ministerie and for their gifts and lives were much desired by the people yet these men are kept out because they could not be perswaded to subscribe and swear unto such unlawfull oaths which have no warrant from the Acts of the Church nor the laws of the Kingdome and they were Articles and oaths conceived according to their pleasure and men of little worth and ready to sweare were for by-respects thrust upon the people and admitted to the most eminent places of the Church and of the Schools in Divinity which breeds continuall complaints and moves the people to run from their owne parish Churches refusing to receive the Sacrament from the hands of Ministers set over them against their hearts which makes them not to render unto them that honour which is due from the people to their Pastours and it is a mighty hinderance to the Gospel to the soules of the people and to the peace of this Church and Kingdome Whereas in the Assembly holden at Edinburgh in March ann 1578. it was declared that it was neither agreeable to the word of God nor to the practice of the Primitive Church that the Administration of the Word and Sacraments and the ministration of civill and criminall justice should be confounded that one person could supply both the charges but that a Minister should not be both a Minister and a Senator in the Colledge of justice And in the Assembly holden in October An. 1578. it was reckoned amongst the corruptions of the State of Bishops which they were charged to forgoe that they should usurp a criminall jurisdiction that they should not claime unto themselves the titles of Lords that they should onely be called by their owne names or brethren yet the said Master David Lindsey with his foresaid Colleagues respectivè have assumed to themselves the titles and honours of Lords they did sit as Senators in the Colledge of justice as Councellors in the Privie Councell as Auditors in the Exchequer and have enjoyed prime Offices of State The pretended Bishops have usurped the place and precedencie before all Temporall Lords the pretended Archbishops before all the Noble Earles of the land and the pretended Primate before the prime Officers of State in the land Whereas by the Word of God and Acts of the Assembly namely Anno 1576. 1577. and 1578. no man should be suffered to be a Minister unlesse hee be tied to a particular flocke and congregation and not to be tied to a particular flocke it is condemned as a corruption of the state of Bishops which they were charged to forgoe yet the said Master David Lindsey with his Colleagues respectivè foresaid are Ministers and will not be tied to particular flockes Whereas the office of a Bishop as it is now used within this Realm was condemned by the booke of policie and by the Act of the Assembly holden at Dundee Anno 1580. whereof these are the words Forasmuch as the office of a Bishop as it is now used and commonly taken within this Realme hath no sure warrant from authoritie nor good ground out of the Scriptures but it is brought in by the folly and corruptions of the inventions of men to the great hurt of the Church The whole Assembly of this Church with one voice after liberty given to all men to reason in the said matter no man opposing himself to maintain the said pretended office doe find and declare the said pretended office used and termed as is abovesaid unlawfull in it selfe as having neither ground nor warrant within the Word of God and we doe ordaine that all such persons which doe or shall hereafter enjoy the said office shall be charged simply to dismisse quit and leave the same as an office unto which they were not called by God and that they shall leave off all preaching ministration of the Sacraments or other offices of Pastors untill such time as they receive admission de novo from the generall Assembly under the paine of excommunication to be used against them and if they be found disobedient to contradict this Act in the least point after due admonition the sentence of excommunication shall be executed against them And for the better execution of the said Act it is ordained that a Synodall Assemblie shall be holden in everie Province in which usurping Bishops are 18. August next to come in which they shall be cyted and summoned by the Visitors of the said Countries to compeere before their Synodall Assemblies as namely The Archbishop of S. Andrewes to compeere at Saint Andrewes The Bishop of Aberdene in
complete body exhorted them to stand by the Confession of Faith as it was sworn in 1581. After he had done Our Commissioner desired the Moderatour to say prayer and so to dismisse the Assembly which he was about to doe but was hindered by the Lords who fell againe with new perswasions to urge Our Commissioners stay with them which he answered with so much expression of griefe for there misdemeanours which had necessarily inforced this rupture that verie many of the Assembly seemed to be much moved with it When nothing could perswade his stay at last some of the Lords told him that fearing this rupture they had a protestation ready against what he had said and done which they desired him to heare read which so soone as the Clerk begun to read Our Commissioner repeated his former protestation adding in expresse words that in Our name hee dissolved the Court under the higest paines and so came out with the Lords of Our Councell leaving the Clerk reading their protestation When he came to the Church doore he found it shut so that some of his company were glad to force it open No sooner was he gone but the Lord Areskyn eldest son to the Earle of Marr stood up and made this wise speech not without teares My Lords and the rest my heart hath beene long with you I will dallie no more with God I begge to bee admitted into your blessed Covenant and pray you all to pray to God for me that he would forgive me for dallying with him so long Three others of meaner qualitie desired the same and so all those foure were presently admitted into their Covenant These men at least the Lord Areskyn were resolved to enter into their Covenant long agoe but were reserved on purpose for doing of it at that houre for the greater glory of their Covenant For no sooner had they sworn the Moderator received them by the hand but presently he desired the whole audience to admire Gods approbation and sealing of their proceedings that even at that instant when they might have feared some shrinking and back-sliding because of the present rupture He had moved the hearts of these men to begge admittance into their blessed societie Immediatly after divers stood up and spake but all much about one and to this sense They had seene how carefull and punctuall Our Commissioner was like a good servant faithfully to serve Us his Master and to observe Our instructions speaking withall much to his singular commendation how much more then ought they to be carefull to bee found faithfull in following his instructions who was Master as to all themselves so even to him who was Our Commissioners Master These speeches being ended two things were immediately put to the question First whether notwithstanding Our Commissioners departure and protestation they would adhere to their owne protestation and continue the Assembly They all voyced affirmatively except the Lord Carnaegie Commissioner from the Presbyterie of Brichen Sir John Carnaegie Commissioner from the Presbyterie of Arbroath two Ministers Commissioners from the Presbyterie of Strabogie the lay Elder and Ministers Commissioners from the Presbyterie of Peebles Doctor Strang Principall of the Colledge of Glasgow Doctor Baroune Commissioner from the Universitie of S. Andrewes with some others who refused to sit with them any longer The second was whether the Assembly though discharged by Our Commissioner was competent Judge to the Bishops and whether they would goe on in their tryall notwithstanding the reasons conteyned in their Declinator and this passed affirmatively without one contrarie voyce and so for that night the Assembly was dismissed Our Commissioner after he had left the Assemblie that very night though late assembled Our Councell none were absent except the Earle of Argyle who made some excuse and pretence for his not comming and the Lord Almond who was then sick Two things Our Councell resolved on first to write unto Us a letter of thanks for those gracious proffers which Wee by Our Commissioner had made at the Assembly Next to draw up a Proclamation for the dissolving of the Assembly Their Letter here followeth Most Sacred Soveraigne IN obedience to your Majesties Royall commands we have attended your Majesties Commissioner here at Glasgow since the 17. of this instant and according to our bound dutie in so exigent occasion have not been wanting with our humble and best advices And although wee doe remit the particular relation of what is past to his Graces selfe as best knowne to him yet we cannot for truths sake be so silent as not acknowledge to your Majestie that never servant did with more industry care judgement and patience goe about the discharge of so great a trust And albeit the successe hath not answered his desires neither yet his extraordinarie paines and as wee may confidently affirme most dexterous and advised courses taken to compasse the just command of so gracious a King yet his deserving herein merits to be remembred to posteritie And since your Majesty hath been pleased to renew to us your former act of grace expressed in your Proclamation and Declaration anent the maintenance of the true Religion and we in the defence and profession thereof wee doe all in humilitie and hearty acknowledgement of so great goodnesse returne to your Majesty the offer of our lives and fortunes in defence of your Sacred person and maintenance of your Royall Authority and shall in all our actions approve our selves your Majesties most loyall subjects and humble servants Sic subscribitur Traquaire Roxburgh Marre Murray Lithgow Perth Wigtoun Kingorne Tullibardin Haddington Galloway Annandaile Lauderdail Kinnoul Dumfreis Southesk Angus Elphinstoun Naper Dalyell Hay W. Elphinstoun Ja. Carmichael Hamiltoun Blackhall From Glasgow Novem. 28. 1638. TO this Letter the Lord of Argyle refused to set his hand Next morning the Proclamation was signed by Our Commissioner and Councell but the Earle of Argyle refused to signe it as before hee had done the Letter The Proclamation here followeth CHARLES by the grace of God King of Scotland England France and Ireland Defender of the Faith To Our Lovits Heraulds Pursevants Our Sheriffes in that part conjunctly and severally specially constitute greeting Forsameikle as out of the royall and fatherly care which We have had of the good and peace of this Our ancient and native Kingdome having taken to Our serious consideration all such things as might have given contentment to Our good and loyall subjects And to this end had discharged by Our Proclamation the Service Booke Booke of Canons and high Commission freed and liberate all men from the practising of the five Articles made all Our subjects both ecclesiasticall and civill liable to the censure of Parliament generall Assembly or any other Judicatorie competent according to the nature and qualitie of the offence and for the free entrie of Ministers that no other oath be administrate unto them then that which is contained in the Act of Parliament had declared all by-gone
religion justice and honestie they have effected it others besides themselves both in heaven and earth must judge and give sentence As this of the Libell was a tricke of falshood so about this time there was put upon the people a notable tricke of forgerie which was this There was a maid whose name is Michelson her father was a Minister and when he died left her young she hath been for many yeeres distracted by fits Upon this young Maids weaknesse some were pleased to worke and to report her for one inspired with a spirit of divination and finding that out of her blind zeale shee was wonderfully affected with their Covenant and that in her raving fits her words tended all or for the most part to the admiration of it and detestation of the opposers of it and perceiving that shee was well skilled in the phrases of the Scripture and had a good memorie so that shee could remember the bitter invectives which both in the Pulpits and elsewhere shee had heard made against the Bishops and the Service-booke they thought her a very fit instrument to abuse the people and cryed her up so much that the multitude was made beleeve her words proceeded not from her selfe but from God Thence was that incredible concourse of all sorts of people Noblemen Gentlemen Ministers Women of all rankes and qualities who watched or stayed by her day and night during the time of her pretended fits and did admire her raptures and inspirations as coming from Heaven She spake but at certaine times and many times had intermissions of daies and weekes in all probabilitie that she might have time to receive instructions and to digest them against the next time of exercising her gifts as they call them which so soone as shee was ready to begin the newes of it was blowne all the Towne over and the house so thronged that thousands at every time could find no accesse The joy which her auditors conceived for the comfort of such a messenger from Heaven and such messages as she delivered from thence was many times expressed by them in teares by none more then by Rollock her speciall Favourite who being desired sometimes by the spectators to pray with her and speake to her answered That he durst not doe it as being no good manners in him to speake while his Master was speaking in her Now that shee was set up by the Covenanters to perswade their ends with the people there bee two reasons which may induce the Reader probably to beleeve First because that they of best judgement who were present at the time of her pretended raptures did affirme that they saw nor could observe nothing supernaturall in them they onely found she had a good memorie especially of that which she had read in the Scripture or had heard preached that shee had a very good expression of her selfe but yet they found that both shee knew that shee was speaking and what shee was speaking contrary to that report which went about of her and that while she was speaking if she were interrupted by any questions shee made very pertinent answers to them which could not have been if all that time shee had been transported with any supernatuall rapture Secondly because most of all that shee spake still tended to the Covenanters ends when she spake of Christ she ordinarily called him by the name of Covenanting Jesus The summe of her speeches for the most part was that it was revealed unto her from God that their Covenant was approved and ratified in Heaven but that Our Covenant was an invention of Sathan that all the adherents to it should bee confounded as all the adherents to the former were and should be protected by God the author of their Covenant against all opposition whatsoever which speeches of hers were averred by the Covenanters with as great confidence and admired by the people with as much veneration if not more as any other of their Pulpit Dictats which presumptions did make very many both Covenanters and others thinke that the crying up of this Maid did looke something like a Romish imposture Let all this rebellious behaviour and these contempts of Our Commissioner and Councell interveening betweene Our last gracious Proclamation of the indiction of the Assembly and the day of the Assembly neere at hand bee laid together and what judgement can any man make of them but that they were devised and practised principally for this purpose That Our Commissioner might prorogue or discharge the Assembly from whence by these strange proceedings hee could not have the least hope of any good and if hee should discharge it they were sure they should gaine some credit with their partie whom they had made beleeve that hee never intended otherwise as also should indict an Assembly themselves which they made full accompt to doe which appeareth both by the tenour of the Commissions given to their severall Commissioners both from Presbyteries and Burrowes which run thus We give you full power to appeare for Us at this Assembly now indicted the 21. of November next wheresoever it shall happen to be not naming the place Glasgow where Wee had appointed it hoping that it should bee prorogued in which case they intended to hold it at Edinburgh the seat of their Tables As also by divers of the Covenanters Letters written to that purpose the copie of one written by the Lord of Balmerino We here exhibit to you Loving Cousin I Have lately received advertisment from severall friends that are chosen Commissioners for the Assembly to helpe them to lodgings in Glasgow I send you hâ—re a Roll of some of our particular friends whereof you may give a Copie to the Provost and Magistrates that they being men of quality may be accordingly furnished for themselves and their train with such roomes at least as you have provided for me I hope your Magistrates have beene as carefull to provide for the Commissioners as for the Councellours which are not so necessary members of the Assembly as the Commissioners And if they be not well eased it may be a great argument to the Assembly to remove it selfe elsewhere I am of opinion that of the three hundred necessary Commissioners of Assembly the halfe of them have not provided themselves as being farre distant and unacquainted hoping in so good a towne to fnde all commodities for money I would send a servant to take possession of those Lodgings which can be had for my self and our friends that we be not surprised with the Councellours followers who are to be with you the 15 or 16 of this instant George Porterfield undertooke to my Lord Lindsey and other Noblemen at his last being here to bespeake three or foure of the best Lodgings they designed for such Noblemen as was given him in list we have heard nothing of his performance My Lord Lindsey hath written oft-times to me and I would intreat you to desire George to write with the first occasion to
John Smith or any other he pleaseth here that we may know his care and account of his undertaking You will pardon me for this trouble I put you to being for friends that will be verie sensible of it whereof none are more obliged and lesse able to acquite all your favours then Edinb Novemb. 8. 1638. Your loving Cousin to dispose of Balmerino I could wish our owne friends were as well bestowed neere one another as can be and if I cannot come there the next weeke I will send a servant BY these lines you may easily perceive both the insolent contempts used by these men towards Our Councel and the resolution which they had to keep the Assembly or to remove it at their pleasures But after they were once perswaded that Our Commissioner was resolved to hold the Assembly at the time and place appointed by Our Proclamation the time of it approaching they sent out from their Tables a second paper of publique instructions throughout all the parts of the Kingdome which were these THat all Noblemen subscribers of the Covenant except the Noblemen of the West who shall be ready upon advertisment meet at Edinburgh the 12. of November and stay there till they goe to Glasgow where they shall all meet on Saturday the 17. of November at the furthest That the full number of these who are appointed Commissioners by the severall shires to attend this common cause with foure Gentlemen within the bounds of every Presbyterie at the least out of the number of their Assessors without excluding any voluntaries That they come to Glasgow the 17. day of November to attend constantly the Assembly and give their advice in the common cause to the ruling Elders Commissioners to the Assembly out of these Shires and Presbyteries That the Burrowes appoint according to their quality and number two foure or six of most judicious men to come to Glasgow the 17. of November and there constantly to attend the Assembly and give their advice to their Commissioner in this common cause That the Fast be observed the fourth day of November universally with any other dayes they may conveniently and if any be repairing to the Assembly that they keepe the Fast where they shall bee for the time That now especially seeing ruling Elders from particular Congregations are received in Presbyteries that particular Congregations take such course that no Minister Commissioner be forced to be absent from the Assembly for want of necessarie charges That where any hath beene deceived or compelled to subscribe this new Covenant that the Ministers take their Declarations in writing or by act in the bookes of Session or before one witnesse that they were forced deceived or mistaken And that every Minister make known and intimate publikely to the people the printed protestation contayning the reasons against this new subscription and where the Minister refuseth that some well affected Gentleman doe it IN the first of these there is a meeting appointed of all the Commissioners first at Edinburgh then at Glasgow which was no doubt to agree upon the conclusions to bee made in the Assembly before the Assembly should assemble In the second and third you see a course taken That both from Presbyteries and Burrowes the severall Commissioners shall have numbers of Assistants without whose advice the Commissioners were to conclude nothing a thing never heard of before at any Assembly of that Church and by which multitude they meant to terrifie all those who in Glasgow should offer to oppose or speake against them In the fourth to the high contempt of Our Authoritie and Proclamation they appoint another day for the publique Fast then was by Us designed In the sixth they order that all these who had subscribed Our Covenant and Confession should bee presented as publique offenders These new instructions especially that Article which appointed so great troupes to repaire to Glasgow all which as Our Commissioner was informed meant to goe thither with Armes and in hostile equipage which is most severely prohibited by the Lawes of that Our Kingdome moved Our Commissioner and Councell by publique Proclamation at the Crosse of Edinburgh severely to interdict any Commissioner for the Assembly at Glasgow to travell thither or to continue there with more attendance then those of their owne family and ordinarie retinue and that they should carrie with them no other Armes but such as were allowed by the Lawes of that Kingdome under the paines and penalties contained in the said Lawes This Proclamation they onely answered with a Protestation yeelding no obedience to it for they travelled to Glasgow in great troupes carrying with them prohibited and warlike Armes It is easie now to be conceived that Our Commissioner could expect no good from this Assembly the preparations whereunto were so full of rebellion and tumult and the precedent elections of the members whereof had induced many legall unavoidable and undeniable nullities of it yet because Our people should clearely see the realitie of Our royall intentions and the Covenanters partie might understand how they had beene abused by the reports which their leaders had dispersed That We meant nothing lesse then to keepe this Assembly and principally that in that Assembly We might fully make good to all Our subjects whatsoever We had promised in Our last gracious declaration the heads of the Covenanters having mainly laboured with them that point viz. that We never meant to performe what therein We had promised Our Commissioner began his journie towards Glasgow and arrived there on the 17. day of November in a quiet and peaceable manner none of his traine carrying with them any prohibited armes There met him at Glasgow all Our Councell by Our direction according to a Letter which We had written unto them requiring them to assist him all the time of his being there with their best concurrence and counsell Our Letter to them here followeth RIght trusty and right wel-beloved Cousin and Councellour Right trusty and right wel-beloved Cousins and Councellours We greet you well As by your Letter Wee find how well you are satisfied with Our gracious pleasure expressed in Our late Proclamation and Declaration so We doe expect the continuance of your care by your best indevours to bring all Our good people to a true sense of Our Royall intentions and reall care of preferring and advancing the good and peace of that Church and Kingdome which hath alwayes been and still is one of Our chiefest cares We give you hearty thanks for your affection and paines in this service and doe approve of your course in subscribing of the Confession and band and order taken by you for publishing and requiring the like due and thankfull acceptance of Our gracious pleasure by all Our good subjects And seeing the time of the Assembly doth now approach We require you to attend diligently upon Our Commissioner untill the time appointed for the downe sitting of the said Assembly and further to the finall ending thereof